A 17-year-old boy has been knocked to the ground and attacked by a gang armed with a hammer.

The incident happened on Monday December 15 in Belfast City Centre at around 6pm.

Police said the teenager was walking along Great Victoria Street close to the junction with Ventry Street just before 6pm when a car with a number of men onboard pulled him alongside him.

The men exited the car and began to assault the victim knocking him to the ground. It’s believed a hammer of some description may have been used to strike him on the back.

They made off in the vehicle and the teenager was able to raise the alarm. He was taken to hospital however his injuries were not thought to be serious.

Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin explains: "A motive for the attack is under investigation and officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch with them.

"Detectives can be contacted at Musgrave CID on the non-emergency number 101. If someone would prefer to provide information without giving their name they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”